Childhood Injuries and Cars

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The security and protection of our children is
always a 1 priority for any adult or parent.
Learning the reality of road injuries involving
children is the first step to prevention and
safety. According to the NHTSA (National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration) In 2012,
teens aged 15-19 years old made up 74 of motor
crashes as both occupants and drivers. 31 of
children aged 8 and under who died in motor
accidents were unrestrained.
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According to the CDC (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention), Motor vehicle injuries
are a leading cause of death among children in
the United States. A study by the American
Academy of Pediatrics found that booster seat use
reduces the risk of serious injury by 45 for
children 4 to 8 years as compared to seat belt
use alone. Another study by the American
Academy of Pediatrics revealed that between 2001
and 2010, approximately 1 in 5 child passenger
deaths in the U.S. involved drunk driving. 65 of
which was caused by the childs driver who was
driving drunk.
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Proper child restraints are essential to
preventing child fatalities in auto accidents.
Other well-known major risk factors include
Children under 16 Improper use of restraints,
riding in the front seat of vehicles, crossing
streets without supervision, not wearing
appropriate safety equipment while riding
bicycles or other recreational vehicles, and
more. Children over 16 Improper use of
restraints, reckless or inexperienced driving,
riding in the bed of a pickup truck, influence of
alcohol as a driver or riding with a driver under
the influence, exceeding speed limits in harsh
weather conditions, and more.
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One of the greatest protective measures you
can take to protect your child passenger is
buckling them into their seat properly. The
seating should be determined by the age, height,
and weight of the child. Auto accidents are a
leading cause of child related deaths and
injuries in the United States. According to AAA
Exchange, proper use of child seating and
restraints can reduce these risks by 71. For
younger children, a simple way to educate your
child is to set a good example. Buckle up and
make sure everyone else in the car buckles up
too. Chances are, the child will be delighted to
join in as well.
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As a general rule, children 12 and younger are
safest when secured in the backseat. Front
passenger airbags can be very dangerous and fatal
to children. Avoid rear-facing seating in front
of air bags as well. When choosing a safety
seat for your child, its a good decision to not
judge the safety of the seat by price. Choose a
seat that best fits your childs specific weight,
height, and age. Vehicle type is also a
factor. Be sure to reference a child safety
seating guide to get a more in-depth
understanding on what type of seating is most
appropriate for your child.
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Children spend a bulk of their time outdoors.
From walking to school to walking to a friends
house, its imperative to educate your child on
proper safety precautions. When playing
outdoors, children should always wear a helmet
while riding their skateboard, scooter, bicycle,
or skates. If on foot, educate your child on the
use of sidewalks, paths, and crossing on street
corners, as well as using crosswalks and traffic
signals. Children under 10 should be
accompanied by an adult when crossing the street.
It can be difficult for children under that age
to properly judge speed and distance.
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Parents play a vital role in the prevention of
child related auto injuries. Understanding and
identifying the risks associated with child
passengers can help apply real knowledge in
situations that can save lives. In a majority
of countries, road traffic fatalities and
injuries are one of the top two causes of death
due to unintentional injury. Educating your
child on safety precautions when riding in a car
or spending time outdoors is essential to
ensuring their safety when they are old enough to
travel with less supervision.
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Seatbelts and safety restraints must be worn
for every trip. The most important action to take
to prevent injury or fatality in a motor accident
is the use of seatbelts and child restraints.
These dramatically decrease the severity of
injury. Children 12 and younger are safest in
the backseat. Passenger airbags are designed to
protect a much larger body. This protects the
child from possible serious injury or death.
Accompany children under 10 when outdoors.
Children face many distractions today,
accompanying your child outdoors is a way to
verbally and physically educate and demonstrate
proper pedestrian safety.
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At NTSI, weve been proud to be a national
leader in traffic safety education since 1974.
Were partnered with other dedicated national
public safety organizations including the Traffic
Safety Coalition, EIP Michigan, GPSE, and
more. Weve developed an interactive
curriculum to bring emphasis to both safety
standards and personal accountability. Our
attentive and in-depth programs utilize
behavioral principles to help make a positive
impact in driving behavior. Visit us online
today at www.ntsi.com to learn more.